| How to check a used car?. If you have ever bought a | | | | or spills. A car that has had a lot of food spilled or |
| used car you know that sometimes things are not | | | | chemicals could cause health problems down the road. |
| quite what they seem. At the time of purchase the car | | | | Under the Hood: |
| may seem just fine and even look and sound great, | | | | Fluid levels and hoses and belts - While these may |
| but later you start finding issues with it. Maybe it is | | | | seem an easy thing to check yourself the question is |
| scratches hidden by buffing or a strange sound from | | | | whether or not you know where every belt, hose or |
| the motor. Maybe the steering seems to get looser | | | | fluid container is. Miss one and you might be walking |
| and looser or an indicator light starts going off now and | | | | home at some point or calling a tow truck! |
| then. These things usually are not noticed when first | | | | Fluid leaks - Many people might overlook a small drop |
| buying a car because some of them are covered up | | | | of oil or some other fluid here and there, but these are |
| by the dealership or owner selling it; and others are | | | | sure signs of potential future problems that will need to |
| intermittent problems that will not be observed unless | | | | be addressed. A car that is running like it was designed |
| you are driving the car on a daily basis. All these | | | | to should not be leaking anything. |
| possible issues though should be of concern if you | | | | Under Carriage: |
| want to make sure to get the best deal when getting | | | | Previous collision damage - Body work is one thing but |
| that car. | | | | repairs to the car's frame or other under carriage |
| The best way to avoid these potential money pit or | | | | elements should be a concern. While usually good such |
| safety problems is to get the first car inspected. There | | | | repairs can raise safety concerns in the future as well |
| are a lot of car inspection services. out there to | | | | as affect the car's overall life span! |
| choose from. Some people even use friends or family | | | | Rust - Rust can be a problem for any car. Cars that |
| to check out the car. No matter who you use; you | | | | were located in humid areas or near the ocean should |
| should always have certain things checked out. These | | | | be of considerable concern for the fact that rust could |
| inspection points are a must know if you really want to | | | | lead to needed repairs of the exhaust system and |
| ensure that the car you are going to buy is both worth | | | | other important frame elements. |
| the money asked and reliable and safe! | | | | Test drive: |
| Exterior Elements: | | | | Car handling - Many people when driving a car will only |
| Previous body work or repair - A sure sign that a car | | | | catch the obvious issues. There are many small but |
| may have future issues is when you discover that | | | | very important things that can happen during a test |
| body work has been repaired. Knowing this can save | | | | drive though that will indicate if the car is in good |
| a lot of money in the future if issues arise that could | | | | condition and running as smoothly as it should. |
| have come from a previous accident. | | | | Sounds - One of the best ways to tell if things are |
| Tire condition and tread depth - A money saver for | | | | right is by the sounds the car will make during different |
| sure is knowing how long the tires will last before you | | | | performance tests. Unless you are an expert you will |
| will need new ones. Another important factor in | | | | probably not pick up on most of these as they can |
| checking tires is your safety and the control of the | | | | easily be masked by the overall sound of the motor or |
| vehicle. So, to get out of danger you need to have a | | | | road noise. To get safe you need to have motor |
| safety vehicle inspection. | | | | vehicle inspection. |
| Interior Points: | | | | All of these things are important if you want to buy a |
| Functionality of features and electrical components - | | | | car that will last and be safe to drive. Get a vehicle |
| There is nothing more irritating that trying to adjust a | | | | inspection services. done by a professional may seem |
| side mirror that has electronic controls and finding out | | | | like a waste of money but in the long run it can save |
| that it does not work. The same goes for various lights | | | | you from buying a car that later will drain your pocket |
| in the dash and other important controls like the hazard | | | | book with repair expenses! Companies like AiM will |
| lights. | | | | ensure that whatever you buy, or sell for that matter; |
| Evidence of Smoke or odors - For many of us a | | | | will get a fair price and be exactly what you are |
| buying a car that was once smoked in is not a choice | | | | looking for. |
| we would want to make. Same goes for other odors | | | | |